ISLAMABAD:
The ongoing spell of heavy monsoon rains has set off a troubling rise in seasonal diseases across the country, with doctors warning of a potential public health emergency if preventive measures are not taken promptly.
Hospitals and clinics in several regions, including Chakwal and Buner, are witnessing an increase in cases of eye infections, malaria, dengue fever, and even snake bites. Health experts link this surge to stagnant rainwater, unhygienic conditions, and greater human exposure to flooded or overgrown areas.
Dr. Imran Jadoon, a general physician, stressed the need for immediate precautions. “People must use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, avoid contaminated water, and seek medical help without delay if symptoms appear or in the case of a snake bite,” he advised.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” is spreading rapidly during the humid and moisture-heavy weather, Dr. Jadoon explained. Typical symptoms include redness, itching, watery eyes, and a sticky discharge that often causes the eyelids to close shut after sleep. He urged citizens to maintain proper hygiene, avoid touching their eyes with unwashed hands, and use personal items like towels separately to prevent transmission.
Dr. Qadeer pointed out that schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable to eye infections during the monsoon season. He urged parents and educational institutions to ensure sanitation measures and raise awareness among students to curb outbreaks.
The health risks, however, go beyond eye infections. Dr. Javed, another physician, reported a noticeable rise in malaria cases and snake bite incidents. He noted that stagnant rainwater serves as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and also forces snakes closer to human settlements. “Wearing protective clothing, draining standing water, and rushing to the hospital in case of a bite or fever is essential,” he cautioned.
Medical professionals collectively warn that the coming weeks could see a sharper rise in such cases if people remain careless. They emphasise that vigilance, hygiene, and preventive action are the only effective shields against the spread of infections and vector-borne diseases during the monsoon.
